People Power Party Faces Internal Division Over Nomination Process Ahead of Local Elections
The People Power Party (PPP) is grappling with internal dissent as it finalizes nominations for the June 3 local elections. Concerns are mounting within the party regarding the fairness and transparency of the selection process, with some members questioning the criteria used for candidate selection.
Criticism from Within
People Power Party lawmaker Sang-hyun Yoon voiced his concerns on Facebook on March 24, 2026, stating that even in the traditional stronghold of Yeongnam, candidates appeared to be campaigning without fully embracing the party’s symbolic color—red. Yoon emphasized the need for a nomination process that instills pride and confidence among party members.
Yoon further argued that the party leadership and nomination management committee must demonstrate greater accountability and build trust in the remaining stages of the nomination process. He questioned whether the selected candidates truly represent experience, competence, integrity, and the trust of local communities.
Representative Yoon previously expressed his dissatisfaction on March 23, stating, “We cannot win through nominations without principles,” and called on the party leadership and Public Officials’ Committee to provide clear justifications for their decisions regarding candidate selections and exclusions.
Visible Discontent: White Jumpers and Red Scarves
The discontent within the PPP is visually apparent, with some preliminary candidates opting to wear white jumpers instead of the party’s traditional red. Choo Kyung-ho, a lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party and former finance minister, who is running for Daegu mayor, was observed wearing a white jumper with only a red scarf during visits to local markets on March 18, 21, and 22 .
Joo Ho-young, who was excluded from the Daegu mayoral candidate nomination on March 22, was also seen wearing a white jumper or a white jumper with a red scarf during a public appearance on March 7 . Other preliminary candidates for the People Power Party in Jeju Province – Kang Gyeong-moon, Kang Jae-seop, and Kim Ji-eun – have also been seen wearing white jumpers during campaign activities.
Daegu Mayoral Nomination Controversy
The PPP has faced internal conflict following the exclusion of Joo Ho-young and former Korea Communications Commission Chairman Lee Jin-sook from the Daegu mayoral race on March 22. Joo Ho-young criticized Representative Jang Dong-hyuk’s handling of the nomination process, questioning the fairness of the primary. Lee Jin-sook also voiced her disagreement, labeling the decision to exclude her as a “betrayal of democracy” and requesting a reconsideration of the cutoff decision.
Choo Kyung-ho officially announced his candidacy for Daegu Metropolitan City mayor in the June 3 local elections and . He stated his intention to revitalize Daegu’s economy and restore the city’s prominence .
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